Driving up and down Reno's South Virginia Street, I've seen the billboards for the Nothing To It! Culinary Center and wondered where it was and what went on there. I finally decided to investigate.
It turned out to be a combination of a cooking school, restaurant, catering business and kitchen boutique. The location, 225 Crummer Lane in Reno, is not visible from South Virginia Street. It's at the end of a dead-end street that is wedged between the Bank of America and the Days Inn.
From the parking lot and from the entrance, as well, Nothing To It! Culinary Center looks and feels like a private home. The small retail area features high-end cookware (Le Creuset, Cuisipro, All-Clad, etc.), eclectic cookbooks, kitchen gagdets and some gourmet foods — flavored oils and vinegars, spices, jams and so forth.
Behind the retail shop, there's a large, airy room that is set up for cooking demonstrations, but also has seating for lunches, which are served weekdays.
I picked up an extensive list of classes and special events happening between now and early 2013. (The clerk in the retail shop mentioned that classes are geared to home cooks.) I can't say that I recognized any of the guest chefs featured in the upcoming months. Maybe they'd be familiar to longtime residents of Reno or Tahoe.
For instance, an Oct. 27 Dutch Oven Cooking With Terry Bell class ($75) will be taught by the Dutch Oven cook for the Reno Rodeo Cattle Drive, who also cooks "for trail rides, backcountry and hunting trips across the West."
David Holman, executive chef at Charlie Palmer Steak and Briscola in Reno, will teach a Holiday Sides class ($35) on Nov. 15.
Another guest chef, Douglas Dale, will teach a Go Fish! class ($95) on Jan. 24. He's from Wolfdale's in Tahoe City, Calif. and will share his tips for purchasing, storing and preparing fish.
Other classes and workshops on the Nothing To It! schedule will focus on ethnic foods (Lebanese, Spanish, Chinese, Thai, etc.); techniques to use with specific kitchen appliances (pressure cooker, slow cooker), special diets (gluten-free or Paleo) and more.
For more information, call (775) 826-2628 or visit http://www.nothingtoit.com/
0 comments:
Post a Comment